- Moltex Energy’s WATSS process converts used uranium fuel into molten salt reactor fuel in 24 hours, reducing nuclear waste.
- The first WATSS unit will be deployed at NB Power’s Point Lepreau site, supporting a 300 MW reactor by the 2030s.
In a major breakthrough for nuclear energy sustainability, Moltex Energy has successfully validated its Waste to Stable Salt (WATSS) process for converting used uranium oxide fuel into molten salt reactor fuel. This pioneering technology has been tested on spent fuel from a commercial nuclear reactor and could play a crucial role in advancing nuclear power by reducing waste and creating a closed fuel cycle.
Transforming Waste into Energy
The WATSS process extracts valuable materials and radioactive byproducts from used nuclear fuel, including those from Candu reactors, light water reactors, and fast reactor fields such as mixed oxide (MOX) fuels. Unlike traditional fuel reprocessing, which can be time-consuming and complex, WATSS completes the extraction process in just 24 hours. Its versatile pretreatment step allows it to accommodate exotic, experimental, or advanced reactor fuels, making it a groundbreaking innovation in nuclear fuel recycling.
Through WATSS, transuranic elements—such as plutonium, neptunium, and americium—are concentrated to produce molten salt fuel while fission products are removed. This approach significantly reduces nuclear waste by ensuring these transuranic elements are fully consumed as fuel rather than accumulating as long-lived radioactive waste.
The Role of Molten Salt Reactors
Molten salt reactors (MSRs) operate on liquid fuel, allowing for continuous removal of fission products while recycling transuranic elements back into the reactor. This capability makes MSRs highly efficient in utilizing nuclear material and minimizes the need for long-term waste storage.
The technology employed by Moltex not only eliminates plutonium waste but also provides clean, dispatchable energy. Unlike traditional reactors with solid fuel rods, which require costly and complex reprocessing, MSRs keep fuel in circulation until it is fully fissioned. This innovation could enable the creation of a closed fuel cycle, dramatically enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear power.
Commercial-Scale Demonstration and Future Deployment
The company is preparing to deploy the first WATSS unit at NB Power’s Point Lepreau site in New Brunswick, where it also plans to launch the first 300 MW Stable Salt Reactor – Wasteburner (SSR-W) in the early to mid-2030s. According to a newly released report, the commercial-scale facility will recycle approximately 260,000 used fuel bundles from existing Candu reactors, providing recycled fuel for the entire 60-year operational life of the SSR-W demonstration unit.
Indigenous Involvement and Industry Collaboration
Moltex has also secured support from Indigenous communities. The North Mi’kmaq Tribal Council and its seven First Nation member communities invested in Moltex Energy Canada Inc., as well as ARC Clean Technology Canada Inc. The Council has also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the selection and deployment of Westinghouse technology for new nuclear projects in New Brunswick.
Jim Ward, General Manager of the North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council, emphasized the significance of this investment: “Moltex also engaged with us at the earliest stages of the project. We are pleased to see this important milestone being met and look forward to more to come.” The Council sees the potential for Moltex’s innovations to make nuclear power more sustainable and reduce nuclear waste liabilities.
A Game-Changer for the Nuclear Industry
Moltex’s WATSS process and MSR technology could revolutionize the nuclear energy industry by addressing one of its most persistent challenges—waste management. As demand for nuclear energy grows worldwide, the ability to recycle used fuel efficiently will be a key factor in ensuring long-term sustainability.
CEO Rory O’Sullivan highlights the importance of these advancements: “It’s crucial that increased demand for nuclear energy is matched by increased back-end fuel cycle capabilities. WATSS is a transformative solution that not only reduces liabilities but also adds value, turning waste into a valuable energy asset.”
With the promise of a closed fuel cycle, reduced nuclear waste, and greater energy efficiency, Moltex’s technology could be a defining advancement in the future of nuclear power. As the company moves toward commercial deployment, its innovations have the potential to reshape the energy landscape and set a new standard for clean, sustainable power generation.
